LAS VEGAS – June 13, 2024 – Unbeaten two-time world champion David “El Monstro” Benavidez and former light heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Gvozdyk went face to face at the final press conference on Thursday, before they meet for the Interim WBC Light Heavyweight Title this Saturday, June 15 in a PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video marking the 100th championship fight night at the historic MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
Before Benavidez and Gvozdyk squared off, fighters featured on the stacked undercard previewed their respective matchups, including undefeated rising star Gary Antuanne Russell and unbeaten former world champion Alberto Puello, who meet for the vacant Interim WBC Super Lightweight Title, plus WBC Middleweight World Champion Carlos Adames and veteran contender and U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha, who duel in the pay-per-view opener at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.
Also at Thursday’s undercard press conference were fighters who will compete in PBC on Prime Video action preceding the pay-per-view. That lineup features undefeated middleweight Elijah Garcia and veteran contender Kyrone “Shut It Down” Davis, who battle in a 10-round fight, former world champion Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo and Mexican contender Eduardo Ramirez, who meet in a 10-round super featherweight attraction, and Mexico City’s Ricardo Salas, who opens the stream in a 10-round matchup against welterweight knockout artist Roiman Villa. The preliminary matchups will be available via free access to all fans, regardless of Prime membership or purchase of the PPV card.
The pay-per-view event is topped by boxing superstar Gervonta “Tank” Davis as he defends his WBA Lightweight World Championship against unbeaten contender Frank “The Ghost” Martin. In addition to the PPV being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets as well as PPV.com.
Tickets for the live event are on sale now and are available through www.axs.com.
The event is promoted by GTD Promotions, Sampson Boxing, TGB Promotions and Man Down Promotions.
Here is what the press conference participants had to say Thursday:
DAVID BENAVIDEZ
“I’m looking to steal the show. There’s only two more days until ‘El Monstro’ comes out.
“Oleksandr Gvozdyk is a great fighter and we actually sparred when I was 21-years-old. Now I’m very happy that we can bring the fight to the people.
“Being at light heavyweight feels amazing. This is the easiest weight cut I’ve had in my life. My speed, strength and endurance are all gonna be better. I left no stone unturned for this training camp. I’m facing a great fighter and we’ve put together a great game plan. This is gonna be the David Benavidez night.
“This is the perfect time for me to move up. I’ve been at super middleweight for 10 years and naturally my body has gotten bigger. Now I wanna go after all the titles in this weight class and give the fans the best possible fights that I can.
“I’m going in there to be David Benavidez. ‘El Monstro’ is coming out. I go in there for the knockout every single time, and this won’t be any different.
“The better the competition gets, the better I get. That’s why I’ve never shied away from a big fight. When the lights get turned on, I always show up.
“We have two warriors going up against each other. We’ve had some great sparring sessions and I’m excited to be able to bring that to the people.
“If it wasn’t for my team, I wouldn’t be where I am right now. Now that we’re here, this is a big card and I’m really excited for it.”
OLEKSANDR GVOZDYK
“For me it’s a big honor to be here and I’m really excited to be on this huge card. I see my face all around Las Vegas and it makes me excited to get into the ring.
“I’m going to resist ‘The Monster’. I’m in the best shape of my life and I’ll do anything to win this fight.
“I don’t expect any discounts from him. I’m facing him in his best shape. I’m excited to face the best version of David Benavidez.
“This is a great opportunity to face a tough fighter like David Benavidez. He’s representing boxing really well. We’re going to show everyone a great fight.
“I’m going to do what I do best. I’ll use my footwork, be consistent and try to time him. I’m going in there to do my job.
“I don’t really think there’s a big difference with David moving up in weight, because he’s already a big fighter. He was a huge super middleweight. I don’t see any size advantage for either of us. I know he’ll feel comfortable in this division.”
GARY ANTUANNE RUSSELL
“I’m coming to showcase my talent and I’m going to give everyone a ‘class A’ performance on Saturday night. Stay tuned and continue to follow me.
“We definitely work in camp on distributing our body weight in a certain way to generate power. Everyone has something that works for them, and the Russell family has ours. We have our own signature way of training.
“My father always told me to never magnify my opponent. Whether they’re a world class fighter or not, you go in there and you fight your fight. We’ve seen some footage of him and we’ve seen his flaws. It’s just about whether he’s gonna fix his flaws. I’m one of those opponents that will make him pay for his flaws.
“I’m not looking at him as a pushover or someone who’s gonna lay down for me. I’m coming in there to knock his head off his shoulders. I’m going to stay poised and give everyone an action packed fight.
“I’m looking to make a big statement. My job is to steal some spotlight from the main event. Somebody’s 0 has got to go, and I’m not looking for it to be mine.
“I’m looking to become undisputed. I wanna wipe out my division. He’s a stepping stone. I have to get past him first. I’m not looking too far ahead while I have something in front of me.”
ALBERTO PUELLO
“This is going to be a new challenge in my career and I’m primed for it. This is the kind of challenge that I was eager to face. I’m going to give everyone a great fight.
“There’s no doubt that this is the most important fight of my career. Because it’s the kind of fight that’s gonna take me to another level. I’m very proud to be part of this card and I hope that we both bring the best out of each other.
“It’s doubly motivating to be on the same card as my countryman Carlos Adames. What would be better than us taking home two titles to the Dominican Republic?
“I’m glad that Gary is going to bring his best and that he’s eager to fight like I am. I’m not about to taste defeat. This time is my time.
“This fight could end at any time. People may underestimate my power, but my punches can sneak up on you and close this fight at any moment.”
CARLOS ADAMES
“I’m 100% ready. You’re going to see what I’m all about on Saturday night and I just can’t wait to show everybody.
“Carlos Adames is a different kind of fighter. I’m an unstoppable fighter. And I’m not about to let anybody even imagine that they can beat me.
“Gausha is an experienced fighter with a good career, but fighting against me is a whole new issue for him. He’s gonna find out.
“It’s not just about my power, it’s about my boxing IQ. I haven’t even had that much of a chance to show it at this level. I’m excited to get to showcase that IQ even more on Saturday night.
“This is going to be a total nightmare for Terrell. He’s going to wish I wasn’t in front of him. He doesn’t realize what he’s about to be up against.”
TERRELL GAUSHA
“I trained hard because this is a great opportunity. I’m ready to get it on and give everyone a good show. I know what I’m up against, and he better know what he’s up against. I’m coming to fight and win a world title.
“He really pissed me off when he said he was gonna knock me out early. I don’t think he’s taking me seriously enough. I’m here to fight and that’s not happening on Saturday. He fired me up.
“This is a great opportunity for me and I’m gonna go out there and take advantage of it. I’ve been training, working hard and preparing myself for this day.
“I’ve fought at the highest level my whole boxing career. Since the Olympics I’ve fought the top guys and never shied away from anyone. I’m always game in a fight and Saturday night I’m ready to take the victory.
“Saturday night ends with me becoming a world champion and realizing a lifelong dream of mine. I’m ready.”
ELIJAH GARCIA
“Kyrone sounds excited, and that’s good. I’m prepared to give the fans what they deserve. Hopefully he keeps that same energy up through the fight.
“Kyrone is very tough and it takes a lot to beat him. I got myself back into shape and I just had to stay sharp throughout this second camp.
“We’re blessed to have this second opportunity and we’re here to make the best of it and give the fans a great night.
“This is gonna be a great fight. I’m not going in there looking for the knockout. I’m just going to take it round by round and beat him like that.”
KYRONE DAVIS
“I’m happy to be here again and I can’t wait to get in the ring this time. We’re going to have a good fight. I know both of us are coming to win. When it’s time to rumble, I do what I love to do. I’ll take on any challenge.
“He’s talented and he’s gonna bring a lot of offense, and I’m gonna bring a lot, a lot, of fire. You’re gonna see on Saturday.
“I’m just having a good time and living my dream. What’s gonna happen in the ring is what was gonna happen in the ring on March 30. I was disappointed of course. Obviously I’m gonna have some kind of emotion when that happens. Now we’re here and it’ll be settled in the ring.
“This ends with Kyrone Davis as the winner. By any means necessary. No matter what happens, I’m ready. At the end of the day, I’m going to win.”
MARK MAGSAYO
“I’m here to represent the Philippines. I’m thankful for the opportunity and I’m excited to give my best in the ring.
“The Philippines vs. Mexico rivalry means a lot because of Manny Pacquiao and his great fights against Marquez, Barrera and Morales. I want to make boxing history as well for my country.
“This is going to be a great fight because I know that Eduardo Ramirez has been training hard for it. I’ve been training hard since December as well, so the fans are going to get a show.
“There’s going to be a knockout. I don’t know how long it’s going to go, I’m ready to go 10 rounds, but we’ll see how it goes.”
EDUARDO RAMIREZ
“I’m ready and I’ve prepared 100% for this matchup. I’m anxious for fight night to get here. I can’t wait to show everyone what I’m capable of.
“Magsayo is a great fighter and I know that it’s going to be exciting action. I’m going to do what I’ve prepared to do and I believe it will lead to great results on Saturday night.
“This is a world class rivalry where fans from both Mexico and the Philippines are always excited to see the matchup. I’m going to represent my country with pride and help Mexico come out on top again.”
RICARDO SALAS
“I’m very thankful to be on this stage for this great fight. I’ve trained very hard with Isaac Cruz and I’m looking forward to what will be a great fight.
“We’re prepared for whatever comes our way on Saturday. Whether it’s a quick fight or we go the distance, all that matters is that my hand is raised at the end.
“I come ready to fight. The winning streak that I have right now is largely because of the great team that I have with me. That team will help take me to victory on Saturday night.”
JOSE BENAVIDEZ SR., David’s Father & Trainer
“I’m so happy to be here in Las Vegas. We’re going to give the fans a great fight. We’re very proud to be part of this 100th championship fight night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
“David had a great camp. We trained super hard in Miami in the heat and humidity. We’re ready to give the fans a great fight. Oleksandr is a tremendous fighter with only one loss. It’s gonna be a tough fight, but we prepared so well for it. I really believe David is gonna look spectacular.”
MARCO CONTRERAS, Gvozdyk’s Trainer
“I’m very thankful to the people who made this possible, especially David Benavidez for giving us the opportunity. Oleksandr is in the best shape of his life and he’s ready to give the fans a great fight.”
TOM BROWN, President of TGB Promotions
“For the third straight time with Prime Video, we’ll have four title fights on our pay-per-view portion, and we’ve added a third fight to the stream on Prime Video preceding the pay-per-view. So make sure you’re in your seat or tuned in early. It’s a tremendous card and we can’t wait to see everyone on Saturday.”
SAMPSON LEWKOWICZ, Sampson Boxing
“The reason I started calling David Benavidez ‘El Bandera Roja’, or the red flag, is because when you go to the beach and see the red flag, it means don’t go into the water. If you go into the water, you lose.”
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ABOUT DAVIS VS. MARTIN & BENAVIDEZ VS. GVOZDYK
Davis vs. Martin and Benavidez vs. Gvozdyk will see popular superstars Gervonta “Tank” Davis and David “El Monstro” Benavidez co-headline a PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video on Saturday, June 15 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
Headlining the show is the undefeated three-division champion Davis defending his WBA Lightweight World Championship against unbeaten top contender Frank “The Ghost” Martin, while Benavídez is set to make his 175-pound debut against former light heavyweight world champion Oleksandr “The Nail” Gvozdyk in a matchup for the Interim WBC Light Heavyweight Title.
The pay-per-view will also see undefeated rising star Gary Antuanne Russell take on unbeaten former world champion Alberto Puello for the vacant Interim WBC Super Lightweight Title, while WBC Middleweight World Champion Carlos Adames battles veteran contender and U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha in the pay-per-view opener at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.
The MGM Grand Garden Arena hosted its premiere boxing event in January 1994 and, over its 30-year history, the venue has become synonymous with the sport’s biggest fight nights. Fight fans have watched champions ranging from George Foreman and Julio Cesar Chavez to Roy Jones and Shane Mosley step in the ring and put on a championship display of skill. Epic battles including Mayweather vs. Pacquiao, De La Hoya vs. Mayweather, Holyfield vs. Tyson II, Pacquiao vs. Marquez IV, multiple Barrera vs. Morales title fights, and Mayweather vs. Canelo, among others, led all boxers to want to fight at the legendary Grand Garden Arena. The June 15 event will mark a celebration of the venue’s storied history as boxing’s next chapter unfolds with these two high-stakes showdowns.
For more information visit Amazon.com/PBC, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #DavisMartin & #BenavidezGvozdyk, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions
